From: Horowitz, Robert [RHorowit@CIWMB.ca.gov]
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 12:31 PM
To: 'fdadockets@oc.fda.gov'
Cc: 'rhorowit@pacbell.net'
Subject: "Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598"


To Whom It May Concern:

The proposed rules for GE foods do not contain basic safeguards for
consumers and the environment.   This is unacceptable.  These rules must be
rewritten.

All rules for genetically modified organisms in the food supply should have,
at a minimum, the following standards.

Labeling:  All consumers have the right to know what is in their food and
the right to avoid genetically engineered organisms if they so choose.  I
don't give a crap whether Monsanto says there is no difference between the
GE organism and the real thing.  If I don't want something in my food, then
I don't want it; that's that.  End of discussion. Label everything.

Long-term testing:  Manufacturers should be required to perform basic tests
on foods for safety and health before they are released.  In the longer
term, manufacturers should be required to spend a portion of the profits on
health and environmental testing conducted by independent third parties,
under the management of the FDA.  If the product turns out to have
detrimental affects on either, it should be pulled from the markets
immediately.

The Starlink corn tortilla episode shows that industry cannot be trusted to
self-regulate.  Strict oversight and labeling are the only safe choices.

The FDA should strive to be more independent of the major bio-ag companies,
and should enact strict codes of conduct to prevent further conflicts of
interest which have given rise to regulations for GE and organic foods which
are so far off the mainstream of what consumers feel is adequate protection.

Sincerely,

Robert Horowitz
1240 Dolores Way
Sacramento, CA  95816